Pressure Cooker Goan Chicken Vindaloo

Authentic Chicken Vindaloo recipe – Learn how to make this tangy finger-licking chicken vindaloo curry in an Instant Pot or Stovetop. It is gluten and dairy free and absolutely delicious! Serve it with warm pav (dinner rolls) for an authentic experience.

Goan Chicken Vindaloo Recipe

What is Chicken Vindaloo? Is Vindaloo authentic Indian?

The story goes that in the 15th century the Portuguese sailors carried pork to sustain them on their long journey to Goa – now a state on the western coast of India. To preserve the pork, it was pickled in garlic and wine (that had turned vinegary over time because of the long distance). The word vindaloo is derived from the Portuguese word ‘carne de vinha d’alhos’ which means meat in a marinade of wine (vinho) and garlic (alho).

Over a period of time, the locals in Goa gave this dish an Indian touch by introducing onions, tomatoes, palm vinegar, and spices to this dish to create what we know call Vindaloo or Vindalho. While vindaloo is traditionally made with pork, other meats such as lamb or chicken have become popular replacements so that Muslims and meat-eating Hindus could enjoy as well.

What does chicken vindaloo taste like?

It is a misconception that the only dominant flavor in a vindaloo curry would be the heat from the chilies. That’s far from the truth. In an authentic vindaloo sauce recipe, you’ll also find cinnamon, cloves, cumin and mustard seeds that add their own magic to make this dish flavorful. The sweet and tang from the palm vinegar and the spice from the freshly ground masala give this dish its unique flavor – tangy, fiery with a hint of sweetness.

What is the best type of vinegar to use with vindaloo sauce?

I typically use rice vinegar (because that is what I usually have in my pantry) but palm or coconut (toddy) vinegar is what most Goans use. Cider vinegar is also a good substitute. To replace the hint of sweetness that palm vinegar provides, I add a tablespoon of sugar if I am using any other vinegar.

How to make chicken vindaloo

You can make this chicken vindaloo recipe either on a stovetop or a pressure cooker. I prefer an electric pressure cooker such as Instant Pot or Mealthy because it cooks unmonitored in about 5 minutes.

Marinate the chicken in oil, salt, turmeric, ginger, and garlic paste. Set it aside for about 30 minutes or overnight in a refrigerator.

Add oil to a pan kept over medium heat. Add the spices along with garlic and stir fry till the spices turn fragrant (takes about a minute)

Grind the spices along with coarsely chopped tomatoes and 1/4 cup vinegar to make a fine paste.

Saute the spices along with garlic in a teaspoon of oil

Blend all the spices along with vinegar and tomato to a fine paste

Making chicken vindaloo in the Instant Pot

Add oil in the steel insert of an Instant Pot and press the ‘Saute function’. Set the selection to ‘Normal’ heat. When the oil heats up, add onions and fry them till they are soft and translucent (about 5-6 minutes).

Add salt and marinated chicken and mix well. Let the chicken cook for about 2-3 minutes.

Add the ground masala and mix well. Add 1/2 cup water.

Press the “Warm / Cancel” button and then select “Pressure Cook.” Adjust the time to 5 minutes and set the pressure selection at high. Cover the Instant Pot lid and lock it. Make sure the vent is at sealing position.

Once the cooking cycle is complete, move the vent to the venting position to release pressure. Carefully open the lid and give a good stir.

Variations + Tips / Tricks

You can marinate the chicken in the masala that you have created in step 2. You can set it aside in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight.

The authentic recipe calls for palm vinegar – if you don’t have that handy substitute it for rice or cider vinegar and a tablespoon of sugar (or jaggery).

You can skip the tomatoes and replace it with fresh tamarind. Take tamarind (the size of a ping pong ball) and soak it in hot water for about 15 minutes. Run it through a sieve. Add the juice along with vinegar to make the base masala.

Add 1/4 cup coconut milk to the masala paste while grinding. Adding coconut milk to the curry was something that Hindus in Goa introduced in this dish. It makes the vindaloo curry sauce creamy.

Wondering what Instant Pot is? Here are some helpful articles that will help you learn more about this electric pressure cooker -

Grind the spices along with coarsely chopped tomatoes and 1/4 cup vinegar to make a fine paste.

Instant Pot Instructions

Add oil in the steel insert of an Instant Pot and press the 'Saute function'. Set the selection to 'Normal' heat. When the oil heats up, add onions and fry them till they are soft and translucent (about 5-6 minutes).

Add salt and marinated chicken and mix well. Let the chicken cook for about 2-3 minutes.

Add the ground masala and mix well. Add 1/2 cup water.

Press the “Warm / Cancel” button and then select “Pressure Cook.” Adjust the time to 5 minutes and set the pressure selection at high. Cover the Instant Pot lid and lock it. Make sure the vent is at sealing position.

Once the cooking cycle is complete, move the vent to the venting position to release pressure. Carefully open the lid and give a good stir.

Stovetop Instructions

Add oil in a wok/kadhai kept over medium heat. When the oil heats up, add onions and fry them till they are soft and translucent (about 5-6 minutes).

Add salt and marinated chicken and mix well. Let the chicken cook for about 2-3 minutes.

Add the ground masala and mix well. Add 1/2 cup water and mix well.

Cover and cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally. Cook till you can easily cut the chicken pieces into two using a fork/spoon.

Remove the lid and add sugar (if using) and mix well. Do a taste test - add more vinegar/salt if needed.

Serve hot with pav or rice/roti or naan.

Notes

Variations + Tips / Tricks

You can marinate the chicken in the masala that you have created in step 2. You can set it aside in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight.

The authentic recipe calls for palm vinegar - if you don't have that handy substitute it for rice or cider vinegar and a tablespoon of sugar (or jaggery).

Also, although the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of vinegar, use only 1/4 at first. Add the remaining 1/4 cup after the chicken is cooked - one tablespoon at the time, followed by a taste test. This prevents the dish from becoming super tangy.

You can skip the tomatoes and replace it with fresh tamarind. Take tamarind (the size of a ping pong ball) and soak it in hot water for about 15 minutes. Run it through a sieve. Add the juice along with vinegar in the blender for making the base masala.

Add 1/4 cup coconut milk to give it a creamy touch. Add this in the blender for making the base masala.

Disclaimer: Approximate Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.

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Hi! I am Anu - former Project Manager, now full time blogger. I show busy moms how to cook healthy and delicious meals with just a few basic ingredients. Find exciting and easy Indian inspired recipes here that will inspire you to cook at home. Read More…

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